Preserving these walls means preserving a vital piece of D.C.’s history while supporting the youth who call this place home.
The walls of Sasha Bruce House hold more than paint – they hold decades of history, culture, and hope.
The Washington Informer visited us in August to share a special story of our campaign to save two historic murals created by legendary Black artist Lois Mailou Jones.
Read the full story at The Washington Informer.
A Safe Place: Then and Now
Long before becoming Sasha Bruce House, this was a place of rest for missionaries heading to and from Africa, where artist Lois Mailou Jones painted two breathtaking murals.
Her artwork was created to teach travelers about African history and celebrate community.
Today, that mission continues. Sasha Bruce House remains the only emergency home in D.C. for young people ages 11–17 facing homelessness or family crisis. And for the young people who stay here, these extraordinary works of art aren’t tucked away in a museum. They’re part of everyday life, sharing the space where youth eat, talk, laugh, and begin to figure out what comes next.
Leading the Effort to Save Our Art
To protect these murals, a team of art lovers and supporters has stepped up to help:
Judith Brodie (former art curator at the National Gallery of Art) and her husband Merv Richard (art preservation expert) are leading the project. They are working alongside SBY Board members Deborah Both, Donna Greenfield, and Shaunda Patterson-Strachan as well as Di Stovall.
Thanks to the incredible fundraising success of our Art Committee, we’re thrilled to honor their dedication, especially Judith and Merv, at the 2027 Benefit to End Youth Homelessness.
As SBY Founder and Executive Director, Debby Shore, told The Washington Informer:
“We are so proud to have a program that supports African American young people who are going through tough times.”
Join the Restoration
We are raising funds to repair the murals and give our youth a safe, comfortable place to stay during the restoration work.
- Mail a Check: Sasha Bruce Youthwork, ATTN: Advancement (Mural Project), 741 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003
- Give Donor-Advised Fund, Stock, or IRA: FreeWill Smart Giving
- Book a Tour: Contact Leigh Bailey at lbailey@sashabruce.org to see the murals in person.
Share on Social Media!
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Art and history meet at Sasha Bruce House! 🎨 D.C.’s only emergency shelter for youth is saving two historic murals by famous artist Lois Mailou Jones. Learn more and support the project today: www.washingtoninformer.com/sasha-bruce-fundraising-goal/ #SashaBruce #DCArt #Communit y #EndYouthHomelessness
